Corporate Controller

Manta Search; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Manta Search in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Corporate Controller to lead all accounting operations, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance. The role reports to the CFO and manages a team of 3 accounting professionals, partnering with Finance, FP&A, Legal, and external auditors to ensure accurate financial statements and timely disclosures.

The position covers technical accounting, close processes, and M&A support as the company scales, with an emphasis on policy development, internal controls, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred.
• 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including Big 4 public accounting.
• 5 years of SEC reporting experience at a public company or in an audit role serving public clients.
• Hands-on SOX 404 experience with leading a compliance program.
• Strong US GAAP knowledge and experience writing accounting memos.
• 5 years managing accounting teams, including managers.
• Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle) and close/consolidation tools.
• M&A, multi-entity, or international consolidation experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and ability to present to CFO, Audit Committee, and auditors.

Responsibilities

• Own the preparation and filing of the 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and proxy-related financial disclosures in accordance with US GAAP and SEC regulations.
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements.
• Prepare earnings release support, financial statement footnotes, and MD&A inputs.
• Monitor new accounting pronouncements and SEC guidance, assess their impact, and lead implementation.
• Research and document positions on complex transactions, including revenue recognition, leases, business combinations, stock-based compensation, debt and equity instruments, and impairment.
• Prepare technical accounting memos and serve as the primary point of contact for accounting policy decisions.
• Support M&A activity, including purchase accounting, due diligence, and integration of acquired entities.
• Lead the SOX 404 compliance program, including risk assessment, control design, documentation, testing, and remediation.
• Partner with internal audit and external auditors to evaluate control effectiveness and resolve deficiencies.
• Coordinate annual audits and quarterly reviews with external auditors; manage requests and timelines.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 3 staff accountants, accounting managers, and senior accountants; set performance standards.
• Drive process improvements in close efficiency, automation, and scalability; collaborate on ERP/system enhancements.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA required

Tools

NetSuite

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Position Summary

The Corporate Controller reports to the CFO and is responsible for all aspects of accounting operations, SEC reporting, technical accounting, and SOX compliance. This leader manages a team of 3 accounting professionals and serves as a key partner to Finance, FP&A, Legal, and the external auditors.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and SEC Compliance

• Own the preparation and filing of the 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and proxy-related financial disclosures in accordance with US GAAP and SEC regulations
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements
• Prepare earnings release support, financial statement footnotes, and MD&A inputs
• Monitor new accounting pronouncements and SEC guidance, assess their impact, and lead implementation

Technical Accounting

• Research and document positions on complex transactions, including revenue recognition (ASC 606), leases (ASC 842), business combinations (ASC 805), stock-based compensation (ASC 718), debt and equity instruments, and impairment
• Prepare technical accounting memos and serve as the primary point of contact for accounting policy decisions
• Support M&A activity, including purchase accounting, due diligence, and integration of acquired entities

SOX and Internal Controls

• Lead the SOX 404 compliance program, including risk assessment, control design, documentation, testing, and remediation
• Partner with internal audit and external auditors to evaluate control effectiveness and resolve deficiencies
• Continuously improve the control environment as systems, processes, and the business evolve

Audit Management

• Manage the annual audit and quarterly reviews with the external audit firm
• Coordinate requests, timelines, and deliverables to ensure efficient, on-schedule audits

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 3 including Staff Accountants, Accounting Managers, and Senior Accountants
• Set clear expectations, priorities, and performance standards across the accounting function
• Build a high-performing culture focused on accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Recruit and retain top accounting talent and plan for team growth as the company scales

Process and Systems

• Drive improvements in close efficiency, automation, and scalability
• Partner with IT and Finance Systems on ERP enhancements and system implementations
• Establish and maintain accounting policies and procedures

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA required
• 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including Big 4 public accounting experience
• 5 years of SEC reporting experience at a public company or in an audit role serving public clients
• Hands-on SOX 404 experience, including leading or significantly contributing to a compliance program
• Strong command of US GAAP and technical accounting research, with a track record of writing clear accounting memos
• 5 years managing and developing accounting teams, including managing managers
• Experience with [ERP system, e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle] and close or consolidation tools
• M&A, multi-entity, or international consolidation experience preferred
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present to the CFO, Audit Committee, and auditors

What Success Looks Like

• A timely, clean close and SEC filing calendar with no surprises
• A strong, well-documented control environment with no material weaknesses
• An engaged, capable team with clear career paths and bench strength
• A trusted partner to the CFO and business leaders on accounting matters